Ballistic lubricating composition



Dec. 5, 1967 J. v. SEIDEL 3,356,029

BALLISTIC LUBRICATING COMPOSITION Filed March 5, 1966 K 1\ x A United States Patent 3,356,029 BALLISTIC LUBRICATING COMPOSITION Jack V. Seidel, Climax, Colo., assignor to American Metal Climax, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Mar. 3, 1966, Ser. No. 531,510 8 Claims. (Cl. 102-92) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to lubricants and, more particularly, to lubricating compositions especially adapted for use in conjunction with projectiles and firearms.

It is well known that the shooting accuracy and performance characteristics of any firearm, apart from the human element, are largely functions of three interdependent factors; i.e., (a) the construction and operating mechanisms of the firearm, (b) the ammunition used therewith and (c) the interaction of the ammunition with the firearm during firing. As to the first mentioned factor, great strides have been made by gunsmiths in their never ending search for the perfect gun. For example, they have improved the materials of construction, the gun barrels, the actions and the workmanship in the making of the gun. They have even negatived some of the problems attributable to the human factor by substantially improving the sights and the weight distribution of the firearm.

Despite the improvements made in the firearm per se, other problems (mainly due to the ammunition) persisted. One of the more important problems is known as leading, which is the phenomenon of lead from the bullet being deposited, by melting or otherwise, on the interior surfaces of the gun barrel. When this occurs, it is difficult to fire tight patterns even with exactly matched loads in a firearm having a fixed position. In an attempt to overcome, or at least obviate, the detrimental effects of leading, commercial ammunition manufacturers and individual hand loaders adopted various expedients. One of these consists of jacketing or partially jacketing the lead bullet with gilding metal, a copper base alloy nominally containing zinc. Unfortunately, while the jacketed bullet is a significant advance in the art, it too has disadvantages, the more important of which include expensiveness and copper fouling; i.e., the transferance of copper from the bullet to the inner surface of the barrel.

Another type of bullet frequently employed to avoid the disadvantages due to leading or copper fouling utilizes a machined zinc base swaged and locked onto the lead portion of the bullet. In theory, the zinc base swabs the lead out of the barrel with each shot. However, like the jacketed bullet, the bullet having a zinc base is costly and creates a new problem arising out of the transferance of zinc to the barrel interior.

It becomes apparent that the foregoing improvements have not been complete answers to all of the problems besetting the marksman. Indeed, the proposed solutions to many of the problems have not only frequently raised difiicult new problems but also have served to emphasize the problems remaining unsolved. For example, friction was once considered to be such a small factor in ballistics that it was often ignored. Now, the opposite is true particularly since it is known that even a relatively low velocity can create sufficient frictional heat to actually melt the surface of a lead bullet and cause leading in the barrel. Furthermore, gun barrel imperfections even though microscopic in size can cause small particles of metal jackets, Zinc bases or lead to become embedded in the surface of the barrel. Continued firing only creates additional deposits which can shift positions within the barrels resulting in erratic trajectories.

Efforts to counteract frictional forces with prior art lubricants have not been to successful particularly where the lubricant selected is one that has been employed to combat frictional effects in a non-ballistics application. A probable reason for the failure of such a lubricant may be traceable to the severe conditions encountered in shooting a firearm where bullet velocities may be as high as 3,000 or 4,000 feet per second and where pressures on the bullet may be as high as 50,000 pounds per square inch. In addition, many of the prior art lubricants, including those intended for ballistics applications, are nothing more than grease or grease compounds. These lubricants are unable to withstand the frictional temperatures and pressures encountered by a bullet rapidly traveling through a gun barrel. Furthermore, the prior art grease and grease compounds tend to pick up grit and sand particles which can contribute, rather than inhibit, barrel wear. Some of the other prior art lubricants suffer from the disadvantage of being too costly or too difiicult to apply to either the firearm or the ammunition.

The whole broad problem of providing a suitable lubricant for ballistics applications is rendered even more difiicult by the necessity that the lubricant possess a formidable array of anomalous characteristics. For example, it should be noncorrosive to both surfaces it is to lubricate. It should be of low shear strength but of maximum elastic strain limit. It should remain stable over the entire temperature range encountered in ballistic applications. It should be fairly inexpensive. It should have the capacity to tenaciously fill any pores in the barrel and yet provide a fairly smooth surface.

Although many attempts were made to overcome the foregoing diificulties and other disadvantages, none, as far as I am aware, was entirely successful when carried into commercial practice.

It has now been discovered that unique ballistic lubricating compositions having excellent resistance to wear and having superior lubricating properties and/or characteristics even after repeated firings may now be produced under specially controlled conditions.

It is an object of the invention to provide novel lubricating compositions for use in conjunction with projectiles (bullets) and firearms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new ballistic lubricating composition having a special combination of ingredients in novel proportions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide novel ammunition comprising a casing, powder and a bullet having a special lubricating composition adhering thereto.

Another object of the invention contemplates the provision of a novel process for making a substantially homogeneous ballistic lubricating composition.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent 1 from the following description taken in conjunction with 3 FIGURE 2 the ammunition is in the assembled condition ready for loading in a firearm.

Generally speaking, the present invention contemplates unique ballistic lubricant compositions containing a specially selected combination of ingredients in novel proportions which lubricants have excellent properties and/ or characteristics over a wide temperature range and which are easy to apply. According hereto, the lubricating compositions of this invention contain, on a weight basis, paraffin wax and wheel-bearing grease (e.g., a lime-soap thickened lubricant) in a ratio of between 08:1 and 1.2:1 with the balance essential discrete particles of molybdenum disulfide (MoS in amounts of at least 2% but not more than 20%, e.g., 5% to Advantageously, the lubricating composition is a substantially homogenous mixture of wax and grease with the M08 substantially uniformly dispersed therethrough. In addition, the ratio of paraflin to grease is advantageously 1:1.

The desirable consistency of the instant lubricating composition obtained by the careful balance of selected ingredients in special proportions is not lost by temperature variations within the broad range encounterable in ballistic applications. For example, the lubricating composition of this invention is thermally stable within the heat range producible by a bright sun passing through glass, e.g., auto glass, on a warm day. As a matter of fact, it remains stable and does not flow or run even after exposure to temperature as high as 150 F. That it does not flow or run is particularly important where the lubricating composition is applied to ammunition in the area intermediate the bullet and the cartridge or casing as more fully described when referring to the drawing. In such a case a flowing or runny lubricating composition would run into and permeate the powder or propellant charge within the casing thus rendering the powder useless.

On the other hand, the lubricating composition of this invention remains pliable and does not embrittle when exposed to the most severe coldness encounterable in ballistic applications. Moreover, its adhesiveness appears to remain unaffected by such cold conditions, i.e., temperatures down to 20 F. Thus, the present lubricating composition overcomes the problem caused by tendencies of such compounds to glue the bullet and easing together under sub-zero conditions. The phenomenon of gluing together is very dangerous since the gun chamber pressure would rise critically, perhaps even above the safety margin.

Each of the ingredients of the ballistic lubricating composition of this invention plays an important role in conjunction with each of the other ingredients in attaining the foregoing advantageous characteristics. For example, the combination of parafiin and grease in the ratio of 08:1 and 1.221 provides the composition with the appropriate consistency for ease of application and handling. If too much paraflin is used, the flow properties and/or characteristics of the resulting composition suffer, e.g., it is too hard particularly if the lubricating composition is to be applied to a bullet by extrusion in commonly available lubricating and sizing equipment. If too much Wheel-bearing grease is used, the composition is too soft and sticky as well as being difficult to handle and store, Moreover, it is when the ingredients are properly balanced with respect to each other that there is an assurance that the composition is thermally stable at temperatures as high at 200 F. and yet remains flexible or pliable at sub-zero temperatures.

The controlled quantities of parafiin and wheel-bearing grease in combination with the M08 provide the composition with other attributes which come to the front upon firing the ammunition, e.g., the paraffin and graese burn off substantially completely leaving only a very clean noncorrosive ash and MoS deposited in the barrel. The M08 tends to fill any imperfections in the barrel so that it has a clean, smooth interior surface. The M05 when so deposited, has at least five desirable characteristics.

Firstly, it substantially reduces metal-fouling by providing a lubricating surface between the gun barrel and the bullet. Secondly, it minimizes friction drag travel of the bullet through the bore. Thirdly, it contributes importantly to the prolongation of barrel life. Fourthly, it increases bullet velocity for any given load. And fifthly, it improves accuracy by lessening bullet distortion.

Advantageously, the M05 used is a technical fine M05 i.e., M08 of 98.0% purity and less than 20 microns particle size. If the M05 is impure, there is a likelihood that many of the impurities would tend to deteriorate the excellent corrosion resistance found in lubricating compositions containing the purer grades of M08 Furthermore, if molybdenum trioxide is the impurity, it would contribute to, rather than inhibit, barrel wear since it is quite abrasive.

The particle size is important particularly when compounding the ingredients of the lubricating composition since larger particles of M05 would tend to settle out of solution during preparation by melting and freezing as set forth more fully hereinafter. Additionally, the smaller particles have the desirable attribute of being able to fill the smaller imperfections in the barrel, Most advantageously, the M08 is present in amounts of from 9% to 12%.

While it is necessary to incorporate M08 in the lubricating composition of this invention and while it is more advantageous to use paraffin wax and wheel-bearing grease therein, other waxes and greases, including wax blends and grease blends, may also be used. For example, mineral waxes such as ozocerite, animal and insect waxes such as beeswax, vegetable waxes such as carnauba wax and wax blends such as ceresin (a mixture of ozocerite and paraflin) fall Within the contemplation of the present invention. Broadly stated, the waxes within the scope of the present invention are distinguished by their solid state at temperatures up to F. or higher, e.g., F., relatively slight deformation at room temperature (75 F.) even under considerable pressure, low viscosity when melted, e.g., 30 to 50 Saybolt Units (S.U.) at 200 F. and thermal stability at temperatures up to 200 F. and higher.

A grease, as is well known, is composed of a lubricating oil together with a gelling agent which lends stiffness to the mixture. According to this invention, the greases usable within the scope of the present invention are those which are relatively solid at temperatures up to 300 F. and which are flexible at temperatures down to 20 F. Among the lubricants having these characteristics are those employing gelling agents of the fatty acid soaps of lithium, sodium, calcium, aluminum, potassium, magnesium or barium. The fatty acids employed are usually oleic, palmitic, stearic and other carboxylic acids.

Referring now to the drawing, FIG. 1 depicts ammunition 10 in the unassembled condition comprising a cartridge or casing 12 for receiving powder or charge (not shown) and a bullet 14. The casing 12 has a flanged portion 16 at one end and an open portion 18 at the other end 20. The bullet 14 has three parallel circumferential grooves 22 for receiving a lubricating composition 24 as shown in FIG. 2, which is partially broken away view showing the ammunition in the fully assembled condition with end 20 of the casing completely encompassing grooves 22 and the lubricating composition 24.

For the purpose of giving those skilled in the art a better understanding of the invention and a stronger appreciation of the advantages of the invention the following illustrative examples are set forth. In each of these examples the lubricating composition is applied to the ammunition. However, it may be applied directly to the interior surface of the barrel of a firearm as those skilled in the art will readily understand.

EXAMPLE I A lubricating composition was made by melting 4 parts of commercially pure paraflin with 4 parts of a commercial wheel-bearing grease at a temperature of 400+ F. While the mixture consisting of parafi'in and wheel-bearing grease was still in the liquid state, 1 part of fine technical M05 having a particle size of less than 20 microns was blended therein. The resulting homogeneous liquid containing dispersed M05 was then cast in a chilled mold having a temperature of about 0 F. to produce a solide lubricating composition. The time at temperature in the mold was minutes. The solid lubrieating composition was examined visually and it was noted that the M08 appeared to be substantially uniformly disturbed throughout the solid, e.g., the MoS did not sink out of suspension.

The solid lubricating composition was then exposed to strong sunlight for a period of 3 hours and visually examined. Even after this exposure, there was no evidence whatsoever of running due to softening and/or melting of the composition.

EXAMPLE II A solid lubricating composition identical to that set forth in Example I was made into a plurality of tubes 4 /2" long with an outside diameter of 1 /8. The inside diameter measured /8. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the tubes can be made on an extrusion press having a timed cutter appropriately set to produce tubes of substantially constant length.

Some of the tubes were placed in storage under ordinary conditions for 4 months and then were visually examined. None of the tubes so stored showed any evidence of ingredient separation whatever. Furthermore, examination also revealed that the lubricating composition did not stiffen or soften thus demonstrating the remarkable shelf life of the lubricating compositions within the scope of the present invention.

Next, a number of cast lead 148-grain Wadcutter, 155- grain hollow-point and 160grain service, round-nose bullets and having two or more parallel circumference grooves (as shown in the drawings) cast therein were provided with the lubricating composition. The distance between grooves was approximately 0.08" and the depth of each groove was approximately 0.039.

To apply the lubricating composition to the bullets, each of the bullets was successively properly positioned in a commercially available lubricating-sizing machine adapted to size as cast bullets. A tube of the lubricating composition was then placed in a chamber in the machine and the lubricating composition was caused to flow into the precase circumferential grooves of the bullet. No difficulty was encountered during the application procedure indicating that the lubricating composition was of the proper consistency. In addition, visual examination showed that the grooves were filled with lubricant and that the lubricant composition did not run out of the grooves onto the bullet surface.

EXAMPLE III The lubricant-containing lead bullets of Example II were then made into mid-range and hot loads and upwards of 1000 rounds were fired at targets through a Smith & Wesson, Model Twenty-Seven, 3 /2" barrel, .357 magnum caliber revolver without cleaning. The bore condition was then examined and it was found that the lands and grooves Were sharp and clearly defined and that the bore had a smooth, unblemished, mirror-like surface indicating that the usual tool marks were filled with M08 That no impedimenta, e.g., lead particles, had'built up despite the repeated firings without cleaning was clearly shown by the fact that no unusual scatter was uncovered upon inspection of the targets.

The present invention is particularly applicable for use in conjunction with case lead bullets fired in a hand gun. However, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the lubricating compositions of this invention may also be used with swaged lead, gilding-metal jacketed, partially jacketed and mild-steel jacketed hand gun and rifle bullets. In addition, it may even be used on the edges of shotshell wads.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with special embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be restored to without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the preview and scope of the invention and appended claims.

I claim:

1. A ballistic lubricating composition containing, on a weight basis, a wax which is solid at temperatures up to F. and which has a viscosity of 30 to 50 S.U. at 200 F., a grease which is stable at temperatures up to 300 F. and flexible at temperatures down to -20 F., said wax and grease being present in a ratio of between 0.821 and 1.2: 1, and the balance of said composition consisting essentially of M08 in amounts of at least 2% but not more than 20%.

2. A ballistic lubricating composition claim 1 wherein the wax is paralfin wax is a wheel-bearing grease.

3. A ballistic lubricating composition claim 2 wherein the M08 is present in least 5% but not more than 20%.

4. A ballistic lubricating composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the M08 is present in amounts of at least 9% but not more than 12%; said M05 being substantially uniformly distributed throughout the composition.

5. A ballistic lubricating composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the ratio of parafiin to wheel-bearing grease is 1:1 and wherein the M08 is present in amounts of at least 9% but not more than 12%.

6. A ballistic lubricating composition as claimed in claim 5 wherein the M03 is 98.0% pure and has a particle size of less than 20 microns.

7. Ammunition comprising a casing and a mating bullet having a ballistic lubricating composition as claimed in claim 3 therebetween.

8. Ammunition as claimed in claim 7 wherein the ballistic lubricating composition contains, on a weight basis, equal parts of parafiin and grease with the balance essentially technical fine MoS in amounts of at least 9% but not more than 12%.

as claimed in and the grease as claimed in amounts of at References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,097,169 7/1963 Hall 102-38X OTHER REFERENCES The American Rifieman, Beginners Digest, Handloading the .30-06, August 1958, pages 24-26.

Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology by Kirk and Othmer, vol. 9, 1952, pages 213-214.

BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner. ROBERT F. STAHL, Examiner. 

1. A BALLISTIC LUBRICATING COMPOSITION CONTAINING, ON A WEIGHT BASIS, A WAX WHICH IS SOLID AT TEMPERATURES UP TO 100*F. AND WHICH HAS A VISCOSITY OF 30 TO 50 S.U. AT 200*F., A GREASE WHICH IS STABLE AT TEMPERATURES UP TO 300*F. AND FLEXIBLE AT TEMPERATURES DOWN TO -20*F., SAID WAX AND GREASE BEING PRESENT IN A RATIO OF BETWEEN 0.8:1 AND 1.2:1, AND THE BALANCE OF SAID COMPOSITION CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF MOS2 IN AMOUNTS OF AT LEAST 2% BUT NOT MORE THAN 20%. 